Playback Control Method for Optional Feature Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing playback systems cannot accurately determine whether they support optional features, leading to misrecognition of video playback that utilizes these features, as users cannot easily understand the settings and connections among apparatuses, and video may be played back without utilizing optional features even if the system does not support them.

Innovation Solution

A playback control method that employs two determination techniques to assess whether a display apparatus supports optional features: one based on information held by the apparatus and another involving user confirmation or server inquiry, ensuring accurate recognition of supported features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mandatory features are acquired via HDMI, then reliable feature information is obtained, but optional feature support cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature information accuracyVSAvoidoptional feature information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary determination process that mediates between the HDMI interface (which provides mandatory feature information) and the optional feature detection need. This intermediary step involves additional handshake signals or metadata exchange mechanisms that bridge the information gap, allowing the system to reliably determine optional feature support without compromising the established HDMI communication framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If users manually check settings and connections, then feature support can be verified, but the process becomes complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature support verificationVSAvoiduser operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the playback apparatus automatically performs feature support determination without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously exchanges determination signals with the display apparatus, processes the responses, and configures playback settings automatically. This eliminates the need for users to manually check settings and connections, reducing operational complexity while maintaining accurate feature verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where the playback apparatus sends determination signals to the display apparatus, receives responses about optional feature support, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust playback settings. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate feature verification while keeping the user interface simple, as the system self-adjusts based on the feedback received from the display apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If video is played back without confirming optional feature support, then playback continuity is maintained, but misrecognition of playback features occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo playback continuityVSAvoidfeature recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of optional feature support before initiating video playback. The playback apparatus exchanges determination signals with the display apparatus and confirms feature compatibility in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the correct playback settings are established before video starts, preventing misrecognition of playback features while maintaining seamless playback continuity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3249910B1Playback control method, playback device, and playback system
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP3249910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3249910B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3249910B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A playback system more correctly determines whether a playback system supports, for example, an optional feature. A playback control method for use in a playback apparatus (101) of a playback system (100) including the playback apparatus (101) that plays back video and a display apparatus (103) that displays the video played back by the playback apparatus (101) is provided. The method includes a first determination step (S201) of determining whether the display apparatus (103) supports an optional feature for playback of the video by using a first technique and a second determination step (S202) of determining whether the display apparatus (103) supports the optional feature for playback of the video by using a second technique that differs from the first technique if it is indeterminate whether the display apparatus (103) supports the optional feature by using the first technique.